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Scarnati again nominated for president pro tem

WARREN — He may not be continuing as the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania in January, but state Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-25) could find himself in his current Senate leadership post again.

“I am honored and humbled by the trust that my colleagues have shown in giving me the opportunity to continue to lead this great institution,” Scarnati said after his Republican colleagues once again nominated him to serve as President Pro Tempore in the state senate. “Without question, there is much work to be done, and by working together with members on both sides of the aisle, I am confident we will be successful in our intended endeavors.”

Scarnati said it was evident that voters across the Commonwealth found merit in the platform of lower taxes and less regulation that Senate Republicans have taken over the past several years. With that said, Republicans in the Senate were again successful in maintaining control of this body with a 30-20 margin.

“Certainly, the General Assembly must persist in moving forward in creating an environment where businesses are doing business and workers are working,” he said. “In addition, we must also walk down the path of making government more open, more transparent. While much has been accomplished in these areas, many challenges remain.

“Working with the basic premise of no tax increases, no new taxes and no excessive spending, Pennsylvania, quite frankly, can take the next steps toward making our state a better place to live, work and raise a family,” Scarnati said. “I look forward to working with members of the caucuses and administration to further this agenda.

“More specifically, I would like to congratulate Sam Smith as the next Speaker of the House. I have long considered Sam a friend and wish him nothing but the best.”

Scarnati will continue his role in the Senate for the 2011-12 session, although he will no longer carry duel positions with the election of Governor-elect Tom Corbett and Lt. Gov.-elect Jim Cawley.